You are here:

BA Middle Grades Education - Science

How would you like to help kids uncover some of life’s great
mysteries? With every experiment, nature walk and lab
demonstration, you make science fun and real. Best of all, you get
to show students how they can use science to change the world for
the better.

Why choose Middle Grades Education—Science at Saint
Leo?

Learn innovative methods to teach the biological, earth and
physical sciences to middle school students. Create lesson plans
that foster curiosity and inquiry—and try them out in the classroom
as a student teacher.

Accumulate more than 800 hours of field experience by the end of
your senior year—almost double the hours recommended by the
American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. By the time
you graduate, you’ll be well equipped to command a classroom of
your own as a Florida State-certified math teacher.

Wherever you are in life’s journey, Saint Leo will meet you
there—and help you take the next steps in your career. Education
Center courses are designed with flexibility for the working
professional, and with the same academic rigor as our University
Campus classes.

Some amazing classes you can take

Science Methods in Middle School

ESOL Foundations

Botany and Lab

Cell Biology and Lab

Practicum in Teaching Middle School

Professional development opportunities

Florida Teacher Certification: Middle Grades
majors are required to take the Subject Area Exam for grades 5-9.
All graduates are also eligible to receive certification in the
secondary grades after passing the additional Subject Area Exam for
grades 6-12 of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam. Graduates
from Saint Leo's state-approved program are also eligible for the
Florida DOE Reading Endorsement.

Student teaching: Hone your skills through no
less than four field placements, including teaching fulltime in a
middle school for one semester your senior year.

Professional seminar: Prepare yourself for the
job market: Create your resume, meet with school district
representatives to learn about the application process, participate
in mock interviews with school principals and district
administrators.

National reputation: In 2011, Saint Leo's
Education department was named a national finalist for the
Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award, presented by the
Association of Teacher Educators. And, according to a recent
survey, between 92-98% of school principals who've had a Saint Leo
grad and first-year teacher at their school report that they'd
provide a positive recommendation for hiring.

Our students find success as certified teachers in school
districts around Florida and outside of the state, thanks to
interstate agreements between the Florida Department of Education
and many states.

Saint Leo graduates often assume leadership positions in their
schools—as team leaders and department chairs—within three to four
years of employment. Many Saint Leo graduates have been recognized
as Teachers of the Year for their schools and even their entire
school districts.

Admissions Information

You may declare the Middle Grades Education major when you begin
coursework at Saint Leo University. However, to be formally
admitted to the program, you must complete a major application once
you fulfill general education requirements.